Impact of pessary use on prolapse symptoms, quality of life, and body image

Abstract

We sought to evaluate whether use of a vaginal pessary would change body image, bother symptoms, and quality of life in women with pelvic organ prolapse. Women presenting for pessary insertion completed the short forms of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire, and Body Image Scale. After successful pessary insertion and use for at least 3 months, subjects completed the surveys again. Scores were compared with a paired t test. A total of 75 subjects were enrolled and follow-up responses were available for 54 subjects for analysis. Body Image Scale scores showed a significant decrease (6.1-3.4; P<.001), indicating an improvement in these women's perception of themselves, as did Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 scores (81.34-45.83; P<.001) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores (50.32-17.98; P=.003). The use of a pessary for 3 months reduces bother symptoms and improves both quality of life and perception of body image in women.